Languages

Contact

Claire Demesmay has been head of the DGAP’s Franco-German Relations Program since February 2009.

She was previously research assistant at the Study Committee for Franco-German Relations (Cerfa) at the Institut français des relations internationales (Ifri) in Paris (2002-2009) and taught French and Francophone studies at the Technical University Dresden (1998-2002).

She studied political philosophy in Dijon and at Paris 4 Sorbonne. She obtained a PhD within the framework of a French-German co-tutelle on “Political Liberalism and the Future of the Nation-State” at the University of Paris 4 Sorbonne and the Center for French Studies at the Technical University of Berlin.

While international multilateralism is under strain, it is vital for France and Germany to defend it, since it is the most appropriate system for preserving their interests – particularly in terms of welfare, security, prosperity and environmental protection. Against this backdrop, three political fields offer opportunities for joint initiatives: trade, conventional arms control and climate change.

This article explores the impact of the events of 2011 in North Africa (MENA) on Arab diasporas. This exploratory case study of the Tunisian expatriate communities in the immediate aftermath of the turmoil maps the changes in their associative networks and activities in France, Italy and Germany – the three principal European destinations for Tunisian migrants.

Migration and asylum policies in Europe point to a tension between the need for cooperation and the willingness to ensure national interests. Covering two distinct phases, which are articulated around Summer 2015, this article analyses how France and Germany have dealt with this tension. It examines both the bilateral dimension of their relationship and its impact in the European context, in order to define the criteria for successful Franco-German cooperation.

Given the current instability on Europe's borders and uncertainty about the international role of the US under President Trump, it is high time for Franco-German foreign policy initiatives. However, differences between the two, both on policy issues and in their strategic cultures, also limit their cooperation. This study shows how France and Germany can bridge - and exploit - these gaps to facilitate joint initiatives on four key topics: Russia, transatlantic relations, Syria and Turkey.

Leadership can foster resentment. As Germany has taken a stronger role in responding to the crises gripping Europe, mistrust towards Berlin has increased. Germany’s handling of the refugee and Eurozone crises has not met with universal approval, and some regard the country’s unparalleled influence as part of the problem.
Germany shouldn’t give in to calls to step away from the reigns. But it does need to change the way it leads, or risk a further erosion of confidence.

In Germany, both Angela Merkel and Martin Schulz are strong champions of the European project and closer ties with France. However, regardless of who wins the election in September 2017, there are some areas in Franco-Germans relations where cooperation will be easier said than done.

Regardless of whether Angela Merkel or Martin Schulz is elected in September 2017, the next German chancellor’s relationship with Emmanuel Macron and France will be crucial for the EU’s future. The Franco-German relationship has always involved constructive cooperation, but it has also been marked by a certain tension and rivalry. Is this somewhat dysfunctional “couple” fit to lead such a large European family? Can the historical “engine of Europe” still propel European integration forward?